Commentary by Carey Juez-Perez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Graduating from high school or college is a joyous, exciting time. However, once the ceremony and parties have ended, this major life event might bring worry and anxiety.
If you’re about to graduate, here are some mixed emotions you might soon feel – and here some ways to manage them:

*Fear of the unknown: You might feel uncertain about your future and wonder if you’re prepared to face it head-on. Ease your worries by planning ahead, such as by touring the campus (if you’re graduating from high school and headed to college) or asking questions to gain clarity. Determine if you can subside your worries by taking action, such as looking for housing or completing job applications. If you feel overwhelmed, remember to tackle one small goal at a time while keeping a positive attitude.
*Sadness over leaving family and longtime friends: Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re moving to a college campus, other students will be leaving their friends and eager to meet new people, too. Consider leaving your old life as the perfect opportunity to join a club, attend campus events or converse with a new classmate. If you’re graduating from college, join a volunteer organization, church or community sports team to meet others. And remember, you can still keep in touch with your old friends through social media. And a call home can quickly cheer you up!
*Confidence from using past coping skills: Most likely, you were anxious when you started high school or college. Remember what you did to overcome your anxiety and accomplish your goal of graduating. Maybe you reached out to your support system, stayed busy by doing things you enjoyed or kept a positive attitude. Believe in yourself and use your past coping skills to help you overcome your recent worries.

It’s normal to feel anxious during this time of transition. But don’t forget to take a moment and feel proud of your recent accomplishment. You deserve it.